Forces embraces Sukuna Bowl theme promoting unity and awareness – FBC News
[File Photo] As anticipation builds for this year’s Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl, the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Force are taking their campaign beyond the field, using the annual event to promote community unity and raise awareness on critical social issues. Police Rugby Team Manager and Director of Operations, SSP Wate Vocevoce, says this year’s theme, “United for Victory, Stronger Together against Drugs and HIV”, carries a powerful message that extends far beyond the rugby rivalry with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. “It’s not only the competition between the two security forces, it’s also an opportunity to engage the communities to come together, especially in the war against drugs and also in assisting the police in terms of policies and taking ownership of our communities.” Article continues after advertisement He emphasised the importance of partnerships and public awareness as the Police continue to address the growing challenges of drug abuse and HIV cases across Fiji. “The police need the community as we fight against drugs and also the increase of HIV. We are so fortunate to be in partnership with BLK to help spread the theme and remind everyone about the deadly impact of drugs and HIV, issues that are affecting the lives of our future leaders.” The Sukuna Bowl, which celebrates discipline, teamwork, and service, will this year also serve as a platform for national awareness, reinforcing that the fight for victory is not only on the field, but also in safeguarding Fiji’s communities. The 2025 Sukuna Bowl boxing and cricket starts on Monday. 15 sports will be part of this year’s event. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Mata anticipates brutal showdown in Bordeaux – FBC News
Josua Tuisova (left), Viliame Mata FIJI Water Flying Fijians loose forward Viliame Mata says the team is bracing for a high-intensity battle when they take on France in Bordeaux this weekend. Mata, who has been a key figure in Fiji’s pack, expects a world-class contest, especially from his opposite number, as the visitors aim to build on their recent form. He adds that preparations have been smooth, with players grateful for the top-class facilities that have helped fine-tune their performance ahead of the second Test on their end-of-year tour. Article continues after advertisement “My opponent is a great leader and a great player so he will be one to watch. We travelled well from England to France and we are training at the Bordeaux Rugby Union and the faciliteies are great here.” Meanwhile, powerhouse centre Josua Tuisova says familiarity with the French style of play could work in Fiji’s favour. Having spent several seasons in the Top 14, the Racing 92 star will come up against many of his club teammates — but insists that friendships will be set aside once the whistle blows. Tuisova says all the contact he needs with his French counterparts will happen on the field, as Fiji looks to deliver a strong statement performance in Bordeaux. With both Mata and Tuisova leading from the front, the Flying Fijians are shaping up for a fiery showdown against a French side eager to defend home turf. They meet France at 8:10am this Sunday in Bordeaux, with delayed coverage on FBC Sports at 8pm on Monday. Fiji will then meet Spain on the 23rd of this month and this match will air LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Drua renews partnership with major sponsor – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Fijian Drua] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has renewed their partnership with Rooster Chicken ahead of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The move marks four years since the Drua have been partners with the poultry company. Fijian Drua General Manager Commercial, Shane Hussein, said the renewal was both symbolic and deeply meaningful. Article continues after advertisement “When Rooster Chicken agreed to be our first sponsor back in 2021, the Fijian Drua existed only as a business case on an Excel sheet. This was also the time of COVID and uncertainty was prevalent. Rooster Chicken took a leap of faith, before we had even played a single Super Rugby Pacific match. Four years later, they’ve become part of our identity and our journey. Their decision to renew reflects not just loyalty, but shared belief in what the Drua represents for all Fijians. We’re honoured to have Rooster Chicken remain a big part of our vuvale as we continue to grow together.” The renewed partnership reflects the close bond between the two organizations and celebrates their shared journey of growth and success since the Drua’s Super Rugby Pacific debut. The 2026 season will start in February. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tuisova braces for French firepower – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Fiji Rugby] FIJI Water Flying Fijians centre Josua Tuisova says this weekend’s clash against France promises to be a tough challenge, but the team is ready to face it head-on. Having spent several years playing in France, Tuisova is familiar with some of the French players and the style of play they bring. He says the Flying Fijians are preparing strategically to counter France’s strengths. Article continues after advertisement “They’re going to do a lot of kicking games, and we’ve already looked into it. We’re going to solve it as a team.” He highlights the physicality of the matchup, noting that France’s Top 14 experience means the forwards will dominate upfront and matching that intensity will be crucial. “We know it’s going to be a physical battle with the forwards, so we need to match their physicality and be ready for anything.” The Flying Fijians head into the game focused on both tactical discipline and physical resilience, aiming to make an impact against one of Europe’s strongest sides. They meet France at 8:10am this Sunday in Bordeaux, with delayed coverage on FBC Sports at 8pm on Monday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Messi’s return to Barca not realistic, says club president Laporta – FBC News
[Photo Credit: Reuters] Barcelona president Joan Laporta has downplayed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club, calling it unrealistic, following the Argentine’s surprise visit to the revamped Camp Nou, where he spent 21 years of his glittering career. Messi, who joined Barca’s youth academy as a 13-year-old and became their all-time leading scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, left the Catalan side in 2021 when they could not make it financially viable to keep him. The 38-year-old World Cup winner, who now plays for Inter Miami, visited the iconic stadium on Sunday and expressed his desire to return there one day. Article continues after advertisement During Messi’s storied Barca career, he won 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns and three Club World Cups. Messi, who moved to Paris St Germain on a free transfer after his Barca exit, extended his contract with Inter Miami in October and has previously hinted that the Major League Soccer club would likely be his last. Laporta said that Barca would like to give Messi a tribute at Camp Nou once the renovations — set to expand the stadium’s capacity to 105,000 — are completed. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
RKS U18 captain joins Fiji 7s extended squad – FBC News
[ Source: Fiji Rugby/ Facebook ] Years of hard work is slowly paying off for Ratu Kadavulevu School’s head boy Lemeki Ravukivuki, who was recently called into the national 7s extended squad. The Kabariki villager from Kadavu captained the school’s under-18 side to Vodafone Deans Trophy two months ago. Ravukivuki is one of the two players from the RKS U18 side, who are part of the national training. Article continues after advertisement Being able to learn 7s first hand from the best in the country and the world has been a blessing for the rookie. “What I’m looking for, I’m looking for team work. I told the boys, you know I can’t rely on talent, there’s no x factors, we’re all x factors. And if we can connect well and work together well as a team than Dubai will be a very good outing.” Ravukivuki and his RKS team mate Suliano Savenaca are expected to be part of a development team to play in Korea. Meanwhile, the national men’s 7s side will leave for the Dubai 7s on Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Malolo rugby’s remarkable rise – FBC News
The celebration continues for newly crowned Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby Union, as the team was hosted today at Solevu Village in Malolo, the very place where their incredible journey began. Reflecting on the union’s rise from humble beginnings, Malolo Rugby Union President Jone Tuilawa said the victory was the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience, and belief in the face of immense challenges. “I believe everyone has been asking where the union emerged from and how it came all the way up to winning the Skipper Cup this year. We started way back in 2020, at the end of 2019, and it was, I believe, a one-man job to carry the union right up to where it is now.” Article continues after advertisement Tuilawa recalled the early days when the team was based in the islands and had to travel daily by boat for matches, a costly and exhausting routine that nearly ended their campaign before it began. “In 2020, we had to camp the team here in Te Aro Village in Malolo and travel every morning to the Vanua Cup games. When everyone went back to work after COVID, that was the collapse of Malolo Rugby Union in the islands, and I had to look elsewhere to form the union.” By 2022, Tuilawa had re-established the union in Nadi, bringing together players from the area to rebuild Malolo Rugby from the ground up. He credited the dedication of coaches and former players, including assistant coach Jiuta Lutumailagi and head coach Rupeni Nasiga, for their key roles in keeping the vision alive. “In 2023, it was just a three-man job, myself, Mr. Nasiga, and Mr. Lutumailagi. Our communication was very good for the team, and that’s when all the other coaches and management joined in to make up a team for the Vanua Cup.” Though Malolo fell short in 2023, their determination only grew stronger. “In 2024, we reached the Vanua Cup final and qualified for the Skipper Cup. That gave us hope to continue. We gathered the boys back this year, way back in February, and we started from there, and we never gave up on camp.” Malolo’s triumph this season marks a historic milestone, from island beginnings and near collapse to standing tall as champions of Fiji’s premier provincial rugby competition. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Flying Fijians turn frustration into focus for France – FBC News
File Photo Fiji Water Flying Fijians assistant coach Aaron Mauger says the team has turned their disappointment into determination as they prepare for their next Autumn Nations Series clash against France. He says the mood in camp has quickly shifted from frustration to focus, as Fiji aims to bounce back stronger against a physical French side known for its speed and kicking game. Reflecting on the loss to England, Mauger says the result stung but says the performance showed Fiji’s growing ability to compete against the world’s elite. Article continues after advertisement “Everyone was naturally disappointed with the outcome, but the context here is there are lots of good things happening in our game. We’re going toe-to-toe with a top-four team in the world, and barring a few moments of execution, we could have had a different result.” Mauger adds that the team’s review sessions have been productive, with the players responding positively despite the demanding travel schedule. He notes similarities between France’s recent clash with South Africa and Fiji’s own performance against England, highlighting that both sides were competitive before letting key moments slip away. As they prepare for another high-intensity contest, Mauger emphasizes the importance of learning from missed opportunities and sharpening execution in critical areas. The Flying Fijians face France this weekend in what promises to be another stern test of their progress and resilience. They meet France at at 8:10am this Sunday in Bordeaux, with delayed coverage on FBC Sports at 8pm on Monday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Daveta joins Army camp, to link up with Fiji 7s squad after – FBC News
Malolo fullback Douglas Daveta [Source; Pita’s Picture] Malolo fullback Douglas Daveta has joined the Army rugby side in camp as preparations intensify for next week’s Vodafone Sukuna Bowl. Daveta, who has been named in the Fiji 7s extended squad, will link up with the national team after the Sukuna Bowl showdown. The Malolo star was one of the standout performers in this year’s Skipper Cup, helping his side claim the coveted title after a hard-fought win over Naitasiri. Article continues after advertisement A serving member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Daveta will now shift his focus to helping the Army side reclaim the Sukuna Bowl crown from Police. Also expected to feature for Army is young Tailevu flyhalf Anare Tabakaucoro, another exciting talent from this year’s skipper cup. With both players in form, Army will be looking to bring speed, skill, and structure to one of Fiji’s most fiercely contested rugby fixtures. The 2025 Sukuna Bowl kicks off next week with the soccer and rugby games to be aired LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Fijian Drua to return to Coral Coast 7s as part of preseason – FBC News
[File Photo] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will once again take part in the prestigious McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s as part of their 2026 preseason program. Head coach Glen Jackson confirmed the team’s participation, saying the club was grateful to be included in the tournament, which continues to grow in stature each year. “Yes, we were lucky enough from Coral Coast to be accepted into it. It’s a massive competition that keeps growing all the time, so we’re very thankful for them for allowing us to enter again.” Article continues after advertisement Jackson said the Coral Coast 7s would form an important part of the team’s preparation, offering valuable game time and experience to both full-squad and development players. “It’s going to be a big week for us. We’ve got a few mini-camps on, but we’re looking forward to putting as strong a team as we can out in that. It’s great for our young men, whether they’re in the full squad or development squad, to be part of such a great competition.” The Drua previously used the Coral Coast 7s as a platform to test combinations and fitness levels ahead of their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaigns, while also supporting the growth of local rugby talent in Fiji. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.